Second Language Learners, Assessment of

Assessment of second language (L2) learners can have a variety of purposes including monitoring progress toward the acquisition of an L2 and determining attainment levels for higher education admission and occupational and social prerequisites (e.g., entry into health care and legal professions; requirement for citizenship eligibility). This entry focuses on L2 assessment in educational settings used to inform educators and students about learner language and literacy competencies. Language constructs, assessment types, and contemporary L2 assessment themes (e.g., validity of inferences, dimensionality, influences of age, and uses of technology) are briefly addressed.